I just read the article on “Earthquake Preparedness”. I live in Monterey/Pacific Grove, California. I have lived through a number of earthquakes both large and small. I have done a good deal of earthquake repair and sizemic retro fit as a contractor for the last 38 years. As an inspector I am very aware of the potential for damage from earthquakes and take an extra look at structures during inspections. Just waiting for the next big one. It will happen.
Thanks for the article. Very good information for prevention of health, safety and structural problems.
Gary Ambrosia

I just read the article on inspecting decks, which is a basic overview of the video course. I think that it was very informative and will help me in future inspections. I do wonder how similar inspecting a deck around a house on stilts would be to an average deck.
If anyone one knows of additional reading on stilt houses or if I just have not gotten to it yet, please let me know.

Some of the boards were showing splintering, rotting, and nail head protrusion.
The posts did not appear to be resting on footers, but am unable to make a clear determination of this. One of the posts was clearly not attached, but was sitting directly on top of a brick retainer wall, at the corner of the deck.

For the supporting article to the is course, I read “How to Inspect a Deck, Illustrated.” I enjoyed the article and the accompanying pictures, which were the same ones in the video course. However, the article reinforced the necessary aspects of performing an adequate and professional inspection and having the visual assisted in my remembering what I had viewed on the videos.
Thank you for an excellent course!

This deck is on a house in Florida. It is unfinished but the stairs were redirected as a safety issue because they were terminated in such a way that if you tripped coming down them you might go swimming. Accidentally.

I read the article on inspecting decks. I was a bit horrified to learn that when you notch a rail post and put 200 lbs of pressure on the post it puts 1700 lbs of pressure on the top bolt! I have been doing that for years… No longer however. Thanks Internachi!

In my home remodeling business I have designed and built a lot of decks. During construction the pressure treated decking is wet. I always place them together without a gap so as it dries so a normal gap will be created. If you don’t, the gaps become very large. I would verify the date of construction or check the moisture content. What are your thoughts?

This is a small deck over looking a creek. The wood does come in direct contact with the ground in many locations but dos seem treated and not currently showing any signs of rot. The railing is in good condition along with the floor.

Guard and Hand railing has horizontal boards with two large of spacing in between boards.
The pillars were placed directly onto grade with no securement for preventing lifting or side ways movement.
Consult a qualified contractor to repair the above safety issues.